Untitled Flashcards Set

Atom

The smallest complete unit of an element.

Molecule

A structure made up of 2 or more atoms bonded together.

Isotope

Atoms that have different numbers of neutrons.

Isomer

A molecule with the same atoms but a different shape.

Intramolecular bonds

Bonds that occur within a single molecule.

Intermolecular bonds

Bonds that occur between separate molecules.

Covalent bonds

Bonds formed when 2 non-metal atoms share valence electrons.

Polar covalent bonds

Bonds that occur when there is a difference in electronegativity causing unequal sharing of electrons.

Non-polar covalent bonds

Bonds formed when electronegativity is similar, resulting in even sharing of electrons.

Hydrogen bonds

Attractions between polar molecules with H bonded to O, N, or F.

Hydrophobic interactions

Interactions where non-polar molecules clump together in polar solutions.

Polar molecules

Molecules that have partial charges due to differences in electronegativity.

Non-polar molecules

Molecules with an even net charge due to symmetry or similar electronegativity.

Hydroxyl group

A polar functional group that can facilitate hydrogen bonding, found in various biomolecules.

Carboxyl group

A polar functional group that can facilitate hydrogen bonding, found in various biomolecules.

Phosphate group

A polar, negatively charged functional group, found in nucleic acids and lipids.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as energy storage and structural components.

Triglycerides

Lipids composed of 3 fatty acids attached to a glycerol molecule used for energy storage.

Phospholipids

Molecules with a polar phosphate head and non-polar fatty acid tails, forming cell membranes.

Steroids

Lipids characterized by a structure of 4 carbon rings with various functional groups.

Proteins

Polymers of amino acids joined by peptide bonds, serving various functions in organisms.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers of nucleotides, including RNA and DNA, used for genetic information storage and protein synthesis.

Condensation reaction

A reaction where one molecule loses an OH group and another loses an H, forming a covalent bond and producing water.

Hydrolysis

A reaction that breaks a covalent bond between monomers with the addition of a water molecule.

Primary protein structure

The linear sequence of amino acids held together by peptide bonds.

Secondary protein structure

The folding of the amino acid chain into structures like alpha helices and beta sheets due to hydrogen bonding.

Tertiary protein structure

The complex 3D folding of a protein due to hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions.

Quaternary protein structure

The structure formed by the combination of 2 or more tertiary structures.

Saturated fatty acids

Fatty acids with no double bonds, typically solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated fatty acids

Fatty acids with one or more double bonds, typically liquid at room temperature.